Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic Acupuncture has become a popular choice when it comes to alternative or complimentary anti-aging care in the West.
These treatments have been around for THOUSANDS of years! Yes, you read that correctly. Men and women mainly in Eastern cultures have been secretly using the power of acupuncture to feel and look young and now the Western world and researchers are catching on.
Cosmetic Acupuncture mainly benefit the skin by reducing the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, under eye bags, and eliminating acne while stimulating collagen and elastin production. Who doesn’t want a healthy, clear, glowing complexion?
Patients have also used Cosmetic Acupuncture for scar reduction, hair regrowth, removing hyperpigmentation, lifting and toning facial muscles, even patients with Bell’s Palsy have had great success with Cosmetic Acupuncture but patients have also reported sleeping better, mood improvement, reduction in anxiety, and hot flashes going away.
The reason why Cosmetic Acupuncture works so well is because it is based of Traditional Chinese Medicine training where the practitioner looks at the root cause to correct the body’s imbalances which in return corrects the symptoms. So if you think you’re stuck with dark circles, acne, under eye bags perhaps reconsider using acupuncture.
According to a study conducted in 2013, it was found that cosmetic acupuncture had the effect of improving skin elasticity. Additional research has also shown that this treatment can lead to softer and brighter skin, reduction in wrinkles, improvement in complexion, and an overall rejuvenation not only limited to the face.
This all sounds good but is it safe?
The notion of having needles inserted into the face and body may be a cause of concern, acupuncture is a safe and effective procedure that is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is also subject to the same standards of practice that any other health profession follows.
Practitioners are nationally certified through NCCAOM, licensed by their state's department of health, have taken well over 2300 of training for their Masters as well as spending numerous hours on continuing education to provide top notch quality treatments.
How does this compare to Botox?
Now that you are aware of the experience of Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments, let us compare it with a conventional Botox procedure. Botox is unable to address the wrinkles caused by aging or sun exposure, but it is effective in treating the smile and frown lines. Moreover, it can also limit one's ability to raise their eyebrows or express other facial expressions.
When considering Botox treatments, it is important to be aware of the risks. This may include paralysis of the nearby muscles, and a potential drooping of the upper eyelid. The results of Botox are short-lived, so the more often it is administered, the more costly it becomes. Furthermore, not enough is yet known about the long-term outcomes of Botox treatments, which can reach up to $600 every three to four months.
Ok So, How Many Treatments?
The usual protocol of treatment entails between 10-14 sequential sessions, occurring weekly for five to seven weeks, with the intention of achieving the desired outcomes. It is likely that a few treatments will bring about positive changes, yet the entire course of sessions is necessary for more tangible and longer-term benefits. To sustain the results, following a healthy lifestyle will prolong the results. Results can last up to two years but is contingent on the patient.
It is essential to recognize that your acupuncturist will not just treat the face, but the whole body. Treatments are custom-made depending on how each patient is aging, as every individual's aging process is unique. Various problems can emerge due to aging like sleeping troubles, constant pain, or digestive concerns. For acupuncture treatments to be successful, all of these issues must be addressed.
When you visit your acupuncturist, they will ask numerous questions about your health and any worries you may have. If you're worried about the long-term effects of Botox, consider facial acupuncture! It's a great way to achieve great results with minimal risks.
If you have additional questions set up a consultation to get a personal insight on how these treatments can work for you!